The ‘final assault’ by Algerian troops on a gas plant seized by militants has resulted in the deaths of seven hostages and 11 kidnappers. The militants reportedly summarily executed their captives as troops tried to free them.

Earlier, the militants reportedly made demands and threatened to kill the captives if their ultimatum was not met.

The militant group behind the attack, ‘The Battalion of Blood,’ initially said that the hostages were nationals of Great Britain, Japan, the US and Norway, Mauritanian news agency Akhbar reported citing the militants’ commander.

The identity of the hostages killed has not been revealed.

The leader also said that his team of 20 militants had mined the facility where the hostages are being held, and threatened to blow it up if another rescue is attempted.